Apparatus for aligning a wrapper sheet in a wrapping machine

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for wrapping a package or article with a wrapper sheet. A package is moved through a wrapper sheet in such a manner as to have the wrapping material extend across the advanced end of the package and two opposite sides thereof. The wrapper sheet is shifted in its placed position on the package to effect the desired alignment thereof with respect to the package. In the apparatus of this invention, specific means are provided to effect the desired method steps. In a specific embodiment of this invention a roller member is disposed in the wrapping machine to frictionally grip the wrapper sheet after the sheet has been placed onto the package. The manner in which the wrapper sheet is gripped by the roller member will cause the sheet to shift position on the package as desired.

United States Patent Leszczynski 1541 APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING A WRAPPER SHEET IN A WRAPPING MACHINE [72] Inventor: Martin E. Leszczynski, Jersey City,

[73] Assignee: Scandia Packaging Machinery Company, North Arlington, NJ.

[22] Filed: April 9, 1970 [2]] Appl. No.: 26,941

51 Int. Cl ..B65b 11/08, B65b 41/18 581 Field 6: Search; ..5'3/228-233, 198, 53/389, 167, 51, 66

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,372,526 3/i968 Anderson ..53/230 3,237,370 3/1966 0116116116 .53/231 x 3,037,335 6/1962 Smith ..53/228 x 3,274,870 9/1966 Schmermund ..53/228 ux Aug. 15, 1972 2,716,315 8/1955 Jacoby ..53/389 X Primary Examiner-Theron E. Condon Assistant Examiner-Neil Abrams Attorney-Lowry, Rinehart, Markva & Smith ABSTRACT A method and apparatus for wrapping a package or article with a wrapper sheet. A package is moved through a wrapper sheet in such a manner as to have the-wrapping material extend across the advanced end of the package and two opposite sides thereof. The wrapper sheet is shifted in its placed position on the package to effect the desired alignment thereof with respect to the package. In the apparatus of this invention, specific means are provided to effect the desired method steps. In a specific embodiment of this invention a roller member is disposed in the wrapping machine to frictionally grip the wrapper sheet after the sheet has been placed onto the package. The manner in which the wrapper sheet is gripped by the roller member will cause the sheet to shift position on the package as desired.

12 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAu: 15 I972 SHEET 1 0F 2 INVENTOR MARTIN E. LESZCZYNSKI ATTORN EYS PATENTEBmc 1 5 m2 sum 2 or 2 INVENTOR MARTIN E. LESZCZYNSKI g am E2 m'%w1? 777M710 $50172? j ATTORNEYS APPARATUS FOR ALIGNING A WRAPPER SHEET IN A WRAPPING MACHINE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wrapping machines in which sheets of wrapping material are draped over the advanced end of a package are well known in the prior art. A problem is very often faced when the irregularly shaped packages move through the wrapping machine. If a sheet of wrapping material having a pattern or a tear tape is applied to the package, the rearwardly projecting ends of the wrapper sheet which is draped over the advanced end of the package may not be matched when the ends are joined and sealed together. For example, when a red opening tape is placed on a sheet of cellophane for placement over a package of cigarettes, the ends of the tape may be out of alignment on the wrapped package. This results in an unattractive packaged product. It could also result in a defective seal and the perishable contents would be ruined. For these reasons, it is desired to have the ends of the tear tape appropriately aligned.

'It is known that cigarette packages are not perfectly parallel. The cigarettes are tightly packed at the bottom of the package 'and therefore the bottom is folded tightly. However, the top of the package is broader to accommodate the filter tipped ends of the cigarettes. For this reason, there is a difference in the manner in which the wrapper sheet is positioned when draped over the advanced end of the package which moves through the packaging machine. The wrapping of tapered packages presents a unique problem with respect to the alignment of the tear tape or any other configuration which might appear on the material of the wrapper sheet. The wrapper material may be cellophane or any other type of desired material.

In prior art structures, it has been the practice to change the position of the longitudinal axis of the pusher member which urges the package from a supply to a sheet applying work station. When such an adjustment is made on the pusher member, it is necessary to make a further adjustment on the wrapping machine at various other places. In one particular type of prior art machine, it is necessary to adjust the location of a liquid applying device which is used to apply a solvent or adhesive material to the wrapper sheet being placed on the package. It is also possible that other manual adjustments may have to be made in the wrapping machine at other locations. Every time such an adjustment is made in the wrapping machine, the machine must be shut down. Additionally, maintenance personnel must be called to effect the various adjustments to the machine. In other words, where the package itself is shifted to overcome the problems of wrapper sheet alignment in the prior art, related problems arise.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The primary object of this invention is to provide a method for shifting the position of a wrapper sheet placed contiguous to a package which is moving through a wrapping machine.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus which may be used in combination with any wrapping machine to adjust the alignment of a wrapper sheet which is draped over one end and two opposite sides of a package moving through a wrapping machine.

A still further object of this invention is to overcome the various disadvantages associated with prior art methods and machines used to wrap packages with a wrapper sheet of material which requires the matching of a pattern or tear strip ends on the wrapped package.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The method of this invention includes the moving of a package or article through a sheet of wrapping material to extend the sheet across the advanced end and two opposite sides of the package. The position of the sheet is then shifted on the package through the use of a frictionally contacting means under the influence of pressure to effect a desired alignment of the wrapping material with respect to the package for matching any design or tear strip ends associated with the wrapper sheet. The apparatus of this invention provides a means for shifting the position of the wrapper sheet on the package to effect the desired alignment thereof with respect to the package. As disclosed, means maintain the package or article in a fixed orientation with respect to the sheet. The fixed orientation is obviously necessary to effect the desired alignment after the sheet is contiguously placed on the article.

In a specific embodiment of this invention, the shifting means of the apparatus includes a roller member that is disposed at one of the opposite sides of the package to frictionally contact the wrapper sheet. An adjustment means is used to change the position of the roller to thereby shift the angular position of the wrapper sheet while the sheet is contiguous to the package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of the specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an apparatus made in accordance with this invention and FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in relation to a sheet cutting mechanism of a wrapping machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS More specifically, a wrapper sheet alignment apparatus, generally designated 10, includes a control roller or roller member 1 1 rotatably mounted on a shaft 12. The roller 11 constitutes a portion of the shifting means or the frictionally contacting means. The longitudinal axis of the roller member 1 1 extends transversely to the direction of package 22 movement along the support platform 20 of the wrapping machine. The shaft 12 is attached to a lever member 13 which pivots about the pin 14. The pin 14 also connects the lever arm member 13 to the structure of the support platform 20. The lever member 13 pivots in the manner shown by the double headed arrow about the pin 14.

This movement is effected through the use of a rod assembly which extends to an operating side of the wrapping machine. The rod assembly includes a rod member 15 that is rotatably attached to a pin member 17 with a coupling unit 18. The rod 15 is threaded and is inserted into the threaded socket portion of the coupling unit 18. A knurled knob 16 is threaded onto the other end of the rod to cause the rod 15 to be adjusted along its longitudinal axis. A spring member 27 is disposed between the wrapping machine structure 28 and an abutment 19 located on the rod 15. This spring 27 provides a biasing force which is transmitted to the roller member 11 through the pivoting action of the assembly 10 about pins 14 and 17.

The control roller 11 is comprised of a resilient material which is effective to frictionally grip the material of the wrapper sheet 23 disposed on the package 22. The resilient material of the roller member 1 1 may be rubber or any other equivalent material.

A plate member 21 is mounted at a spaced distance from the support platform 20. A wrapper sheet 23 is cut from a web 24 of wrapping material through the action of a stationary cutting member 25 and a rotating cutting member 26. The specific manner in which the wrapper sheet 23 is cut from the web 24 is well known in the prior art and does not form a part of this invention. A sheet feeding and cutting mechanism which may be used in combination with the aligning apparatus of this invention is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 2,837,978. When the apparatus of this invention is used with these prior art combinations, the roller member 11 steers the film or web of wrapping material before the knife cuts it off. Such a relationship is shown in FIG. 2.

A package 22 is moved through the wrapper sheet 23 so that the wrapping material is draped across the advanced end and two opposite sides of the package 22. The control roller 11 is located right after the package 22 has passed through the sheet 23 so that the frictional gripping of the wrapper 23 by the roller 11 will immediately shift the position of the wrapper sheet on the package 22. The package 22 must obviously be maintained in a fixed orientation with respect to the wrapper 23. Once any wrapper sheet has been folded, it is difficult to shift its angular position on the package 22. The plate member 21 is spaced at an effective distance from the support platform so that when the package 22 passes therebetween, a pressure is exerted between the roller member 11 and one of the sides of the package 22. This pressure is additional to that caused by the weight of the package. This additional pressure aids in effecting movement of the wrapper sheet 23 once it has been draped over the package 22. The plate member 21 also holds the wrapper sheet 23 on the package 22 as it is passed from the sheet applying station to a subsequent receiving means in the wrapping machine. A common receiving means which may be used in combination with the apparatus of this invention is shown in US. Pat. Nos. 3,055,490 and 2,373,655 illustrating the use of a turret wheel assembly.

The spring member 27 provides a tensioning effect when the roller member 11 is pivoted about its central axis by the rod assembly. The rotating of the knurled knob 16 efiects a control of the pivoting action of the roller member 11 about its central axis. The biased movement of the cylindrically shaped roller member 11 about its central axis provides the necessary shifting means to place the wrapper sheet 23 in its desired position with respect to the package 22. That is, the position of the wrapper sheet 23 is skewed with respect to the package 22.

ADVANTAGES OF THIS INVENTION The use of the apparatus and method of this invention enables a very simple adjustment to be made which 5 overcomes the disadvantages associated with present wrapping machines. As soon as irregularly wrapped packages are seen to be produced by the wrapping machine, a simple adjustment may be made by turning the knob 16 as described hereinabove. The adjustment of a pusher bar or a liquid applying device is completely eliminated. There is no necessity for calling additional maintenance people to make such adjustments. The simplicity of the method and device of this invention is seen to be adaptable to many types of prior art wrapping machines.

While the method and apparatus for aligning a wrapper sheet in a wrapping machine have been shown and described in detail, it is obvious that this invention is not to be considered as being limited to the exact form disclosed, and that changes in detail and construction may be made therein within the scope of the invention, without departing from the spirit thereof.

Having thus set forth and disclosed the nature of this invention, what is claimed is:

1. In a wrapping machine, the combination comprismg:

a. means providing a sheet of wrapping material at a sheet applying work station,

b. means for moving an article through the sheet of wrapping material to extend the sheet across the advanced end and two opposite sides of the article, and

c. means for shifting the position of the sheet of wrapping material after being contiguously placed on the package to effect the desired alignment thereof with respect to the package,

d. said shifting means including roller means movably disposed at one of said opposite sides to frictionally contact the wrapper sheet and plate means located on the other of said opposite sides to provide a pressure between the article and the roller means.

2. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said shifting means includes means to adjust the alignment of the roller means with respect to the direction of article movement through the machine.

3. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 contacting said sheet of wrapping material under the influence of a pressure whereby the position of said sheet is shifted to a desired alignment thereof with respect to the article, and

c. means for moving the article along a path through the machine, (1. said contacting means including a roller member comprised of a resilient material which is effective to frictionally grip a wrapper sheet disposed on the package and means to adjust the alignment of the roller member with respect to the direction of article movement through the machine,

. said adjusting means including a biasing means to provide a tension force when the roller member pivots about its central axis and control means to effect movement of the roller member about its central axis.

5. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 4 wherein a plate means is located on the side of the article opposite said roller member to provide said pressure between the roller member and the sheet which is contiguously placed on the article.

6. In a wrapping machine, the combination comprising:

a. means for applying a sheet of wrapping material across one end and two opposite sides of an article, and

b. shifting means including means for frictionally contacting a portion of the sheet lyingagainst the article under the influence of a pressure to shift the position of the sheet angularly to a desired alignment with respect to the article.

7. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said shifting means includes means for maintaining the article in a fixed orientation with respect to the sheet while the position of the sheet of wrapping material is shifted with respect to the article.

8. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said contacting means includes roller means disposed on one of said opposite sides to engage the wrapper sheet. 9. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said contacting means includes roller means movably disposed on one of said opposite sides to engage the wrapper sheet and means located on the other of said opposite sides to provide a pressure between the article and the roller means. 10. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 9 wherein I said contacting means includes means to adjust the alignment of the roller means with respect to the direction of article movement through the machine. 11. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6 wherein means is provided for moving the article along a path through the wrapping machine, and said contacting means includes a roller member comprised of a resilient material which is eifective to frictionally grip a wrapper sheet disposed on the package and means to adjust the alignment of the roller member with respect to the direction of article movement through the machine. 12. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 11 wherein 

1. In a wrapping machine, the combination comprising: a. means providing a sheet of wrapping material at a sheet applying work station, b. means for moving an article through the sheet of wrapping material to extend the sheet across the advanced end and two opposite sides of the article, and c. means for shifting the position of the sheet of wrapping material after being contiguously placed on the package to effect the desired alignment thereof with respect to the package, d. said shifting means including roller means movably disposed at one of said opposite sides to frictionally contact the wrapper sheet and plate means located on the other of said opposite sides to provide a pressure between the article and the roller means.
 2. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said shifting means includes means to adjust the alignment of the roller means with respect to the direction of article movement through the machine.
 3. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said shifting means includes means for maintaining the article in a fixed orientation with respect to the sheet while the position of the sheet of wrapping material is shifted with respect to the article.
 4. In a wrapping machine, the combination comprising: a. means for applying a sheet of wrapping material across one end and two opposite sides of an article, b. shifting means including means for frictionally contacting said sheet of wrapping material under the influence of a pressure whereby the position of said sheet is shifted to a desired alignment thereof with respect to the article, and c. means for moving the article along a path through the machine, d. said contacting means including a roller member comprised of a resilient material which is effective to frictionally grip a wrapper sheet disposed on the package and means to adjust the alignment of the roller member with respect to the direction of article movement through the machine, e. said adjusting means including a biasing means to provide a tension force when the roller member pivots about its central axis and control means to effect movement of the roller member about its central axis.
 5. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 4 wherein a plate means is located on the side of the article opposite said roller member to provide said pressure between the roller member and the sheet which is contiguously placed on the article.
 6. In a wrapping machine, the combination comprising: a. means for applying a sheet of wrapping material across one end and two opposite sides of an article, and b. shifting means including means for frictionally contacting a portion of the sheet lying against the article under the influence of a pressure to shift the position of the sheet angularly to a desired alignment with respect to the article.
 7. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said shifting means includes means for maintaining the article in a fixed orientation with respect to the sheet while the position of the sheet of wrapping material is shifted with respect to the article.
 8. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said contacting means includes roller means disposed on one of said opposite sides to engage the wrapper sheet.
 9. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said contacting means includes roller means movably disposed on one of said opposite sides to engage the wrapper sheet and means located on the other of said opposite sides to provide a pressure between the article and the roller means.
 10. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 9 wheRein said contacting means includes means to adjust the alignment of the roller means with respect to the direction of article movement through the machine.
 11. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 6 wherein means is provided for moving the article along a path through the wrapping machine, and said contacting means includes a roller member comprised of a resilient material which is effective to frictionally grip a wrapper sheet disposed on the package and means to adjust the alignment of the roller member with respect to the direction of article movement through the machine.
 12. In a wrapping machine as defined in claim 11 wherein said roller member is cylindrically shaped and has its longitudinal axis disposed transversely to the direction of travel for the article. 